Troubleshooting Lawn Mower Problems

Lawn mower, like any other machine, may give rise to operating problems. Troubleshooting a lawn mower is not an easy job, and one needs a systematic approach to fix the issues. Repairing it is a DIY job, and this Gardenerdy article provides a brief guidance on the same.

Gardenerdy Staff

For proper lawn care, mowing is necessary, and your lawn mower should always be in a good condition. Troubleshooting it is difficult because there are a number of reasons related to each problem, and finding out the exact reason is quite confusing. So, before you start the repair, you need to follow some safety steps. Wear eye protection gear and gloves. Turn off the engine and disconnect the spark plug while repairing the machine. Let us discuss some common issues and their solutions.

#1: Engine Won't Start

Possible Reason

Solution

Lawn mower has run out of fuel.

Fill the fuel tank.

There is water in the fuel tank.

Drain the fuel from the tank and refill it.

The fuel in the tank has become stale.

Drain the fuel, and refill the tank with fresh fuel.

The engine is flooded.

Turn off the fuel, start the engine, and then turn on the fuel.

Disconnection of spark plug.

Connect it.

Spark plug is dirty.

If possible, clean the spark plug, or replace it.

#2: Engine Makes Sound / Vibrates

Possible Reason

Solution

Blades are worn out, loose, bent, or out of balance.

Tight the blade bolt. Sharpen or replace the blades.

Grass and dirt is accumulated on surface of blades.

Clean the blades.

#3: Poor Cut

Possible Reason

Solution

Loose blade disc.

Tighten the nuts of the blade.

Blades are worn out, loose, bent, or out of balance.

Tight the blade bolt. Sharpen or replace the blades.

Wheels are uneven.

Place the wheels at same height.

Grass, dirt, leaves are built up in the lower side of the mower.

Clean the lower side of the mower.

#4: Poor Engine / Engine Problems

Possible Reason

Solution

Dirty air filter.

Replace the air filter or clean it.

Dirty spark plug.

Clean or replace it.

Too much grass is cut.

Increase the cutting height.

Grass, dirt, leaves are built up in the lower side of the mower.

Clean the lower side of the mower.

Excess oil in the engine.

Fix the oil level.

Engine is worn out.

Contact a service man and get it replaced.

#5: Difficulty in Pulling the Starter Rope

Possible Reason

Solution

Engine crankshaft is bent.

Contact a service center.

Blade adapter is broken.

Replace it.

#6: Operating Problem

Possible Reason

Solution

The grass catcher is full.

Empty it.

The height of the wheels is too short, and that of grass is too high.

Increase the height of cutting.

The height of the handle is in wrong position.

Change the height of the mower to a suitable height.

Given below are some maintenance tips that will avoid the above problems:

Once in a month sharpen the blades of your mower.

After every mowing, wait till the engine cools down, and later, with the help of a hose spray remove the grass clippings, and dirt stuck on the underside.

Never use the mower to cut wet grass as this harms the working.

Every time you mow the grass, use a new direction of mowing.

Change the oil, replace the spark plug, and clean the air filter before every mowing.

So, with the above discussion, we can see that lawn mower troubleshooting is not so easy, with a number of factors associated with each problem. However, now that you are aware of the possible reasons, it should not be that tough for you. See that you only do minor repairs, and contact a professional to fix the major ones, especially those related to the engine.